CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati junior pole vaulter Josh Dangel earned All-American honors and finished tied for seventh, clearing 17'8.50" Wednesday on the first day of the 2013 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

"I felt really good going in to the meet and that confidence carried over to today," Dangel said.

The finals had one flight of 23 student-athletes, and Dangel was fourth in the rotation. He cleared 5.10 (16'8.75") and 5.25 meters (17'2.75") and the bar was then raised to 5.40 meters (17'8.50"). Nine student-athletes were unable to clear the third progression and were eliminated from competition.

Dangel remained steady and cleared the 5.40-meter (17'8.50") bar on his first attempt, marking a career best for the Cincinnati native. His previous career best was 5.35 meters (17'6 5/8"), which gave him the 2013 BIG EAST Outdoor Pole Vault title. Dangel's mark was just over an inch shy of the outdoor pole vault school record, 17'9 3/4", set by Mike Albrinck in 1994.

The bar moved to 18'0.50" (5.50 meters), but Dangel was unable to clear this progression.

"I cleared the first three bars on my first attempt," Dangel said. "With the fourth bar I was on the highest bar I've ever been and I put too much energy into it and went through the bar. On the second attempt at 5.50 meters, I brushed it with my chest. On my third attempt, the pole hit the top of the box where I plant and I was moving too far forward and broke the plane, which counts as a miss."

He finished the competition tied for seventh place and garnered first team All-American honors.

"I'm content with the competition and satisfied with the day," he said. "I had a career best jump, came out a first team All-American and scored points for Coach [Bill] Schnier. I'm thankful for the opportunity to accomplish this and happy my family was here to support me."

Dangel has notched his place in the Bearcats' record book. To his credit this season, Dangel set UC's Gettler Stadium record with a jump of 17'6.25" and captured six first place finishes. He ends the 2013 campaign No. 2 on UC's all-time top 10 individual performances for the outdoor pole vault.

Competition continues Thursday for the Bearcats as Terrence Somerville, who is currently ranked third in the nation, battles in the 110-meter hurdles semifinals. The race begins at 8:20 p.m. ET. Should he advance, Somerville will race again on June 8 at 6:16 p.m. ET.